Replacing a 50ft Catamaran for my father

packerkidd30

New Member
May 10, 2018
14
Lake Lewisville, TX
Boat Info
1998 270 Sundancer
"19th Hole"
Engines
7.4L MC Bravo III
I am in the process of helping my mother surprise my father with a replacement for his catamaran that was lost in the hurricane last year. My dad was in the process of selling it because he said he was getting to old for the sailing and wants something powered, he loves my 270DA. I was thinking a large Sundancer for him, but he would like to be able to take it from Florida down to the Caribbean for a month at a time the same way they did with the catamaran. My 270 is the largest I have ever owned and I have never been on anything other than that catamaran on the ocean. Does anyone have any experience with this? Any recommendations?
 
I would think he would want a Powered cat, but I am making a bunch of assumptions. Taking the boat down to the Caribbean is fine but can be expensive (and with sail, his fuel costs were minimal?) so I am thinking the 2-3mpg and 1500 mile range (these numbers were from one power cat I researched, assume others are similar?) would appeal to someone used to a sail cat. Speed is the same, slightly better with power, room and ride comfort are the same as well going from a sail cat to a Sundancer is pretty different, but then maybe he wants smaller?
 
I would think he would want a Powered cat, but I am making a bunch of assumptions. Taking the boat down to the Caribbean is fine but can be expensive (and with sail, his fuel costs were minimal?) so I am thinking the 2-3mpg and 1500 mile range (these numbers were from one power cat I researched, assume others are similar?) would appeal to someone used to a sail cat. Speed is the same, slightly better with power, room and ride comfort are the same as well going from a sail cat to a Sundancer is pretty different, but then maybe he wants smaller?

I think they are looking for something similar to the cat that they had, I just want to be able to have some options to look at, a Sundancer being one of them! I have looked at some powered ones, but without much experience in that arena I don't know exactly what to look for. The more I find out the more im realizing I should probably include him in the process instead of surprising him!
 
Just a couple of thoughts.

For us guys, boats are a personal decision. Capabilities, amenities, performance, etc etc - we all have our requirements. I'd imagine to make the right choice, the to be Captain should most definitely be involved in the process. While it wouldn't be a complete surprise the day it showed up, the process itself would probably be very enjoyable for all of you to participate together. This is one of those things it's best to be right the first time around, otherwise it gets exponentially expensive.

Boat-wise, if he's cruising the Caribbean via the wind - unless he has some very deep pockets - I can't imagine any cruiser being the answer. Plus going from wind to power is like going from Ford to Chevy for many - just not something seen to often.

Just my .02...
 
Plus going from wind to power is like going from Ford to Chevy for many - just not something seen to often.

Maybe more like Tesla to Hummer?

I agree he should be a part of it. Surprise him with a bucket of cash he can use to go spend on a new boat. There is so much fun to be had when shopping for boats.
 
You could surprise him with a contract, but knowing there was a good chance he might decline the contract simply because he wants a different boat might not be fair to the seller. I like the “boatload of cash option, plus help him to boat shop and research”! Good luck, with family like you guys, who needs friends! I would be in seventh heaven!
 
If I were moving from a sailing vessel that size to a power vessel to do those type trips in I’d probably be looking at single diesel trawlers with bow and stern thrusters.
They would give you the best combination of interior space, fuel economy, and with the thrusters, maneuverability in tight spots.
If he really likes the Sundancers, then you will probably want to look for diesels for those trips and you’re probably looking in at least the 40’ and up size range. They will give you more speed, but at the cost of less interior space and more fuel burn than the trawler. Plus you’d be maintaining two motors instead of one in what will likely be much closer quarters than a single engine trawler would have.
I can tell you that my 410 would have no problem doing trips like you mentioned, and I’ll bet it is easier to handle around the dock than your 270, but the fuel would be killer compared to what he is used to.
 
Well, I ended up taking y'alls wonderful advice and my mom and I basically gave him a bag full of cash. He replied with a giant smile and said he already has about 10-12 he wants to go look at this weekend. I'll get the list tonight and keep everyone updated!

He also hit me with a surprise of my own. He wants to upgrade me from my 270 to something that will make the trip with him every other year. Needless to say i'm beyond excited. That being said I need to find something that can make the trip and I can also keep on the lake here in Dallas. I also need to move up my timeline on my projects in my 270, looks like I'm in for a busy summer!

Cheers!
 
Well, I ended up taking y'alls wonderful advice and my mom and I basically gave him a bag full of cash. He replied with a giant smile and said he already has about 10-12 he wants to go look at this weekend. I'll get the list tonight and keep everyone updated!

He also hit me with a surprise of my own. He wants to upgrade me from my 270 to something that will make the trip with him every other year. Needless to say i'm beyond excited. That being said I need to find something that can make the trip and I can also keep on the lake here in Dallas. I also need to move up my timeline on my projects in my 270, looks like I'm in for a busy summer!

Cheers!
What a nice family you have!! Best of luck in your search and your Dad's! I would concur that a long-range trawler would be the best option. I personally would prefer a two engine over a single for safety purposes, diesel for sure.

We have a 450 DA and while I love the boat I'm also aware of the limitations, long-range capability being one of them. Also, Sundancers are a planing hull (as you know) and require a considerable amount of alertness while at the helm and running at planing speed. I think it would be safer for someone of an older age to handle a slower boat and it would also be much more economical to run if it was a trawler over a fast boat like a Sundancer. Good luck and please post updates regarding your boat search - how exciting!
 
Well, I ended up taking y'alls wonderful advice and my mom and I basically gave him a bag full of cash. He replied with a giant smile and said he already has about 10-12 he wants to go look at this weekend. I'll get the list tonight and keep everyone updated!

He also hit me with a surprise of my own. He wants to upgrade me from my 270 to something that will make the trip with him every other year. Needless to say i'm beyond excited. That being said I need to find something that can make the trip and I can also keep on the lake here in Dallas. I also need to move up my timeline on my projects in my 270, looks like I'm in for a busy summer!

Cheers!

Congrats, sounds awesome and enjoy the process with your family.

We're also on Lewisville, over at Eagle Pt. Where are you?
 
Always great to hear from another Texas boater! I live on Lake Lewisville but have my boat on Texoma. Was at Eagle Point Marina for 20 years prior to that.

It'll be interesting to see what direction you go. It's going to be a balancing act to get a boat that can economically travel the distances your dad wants to travel AND be mobile enough to move between Dallas and the coast without incurring major expenses and downtime.

Maybe you should keep your 270 here and leave the other boat your getting at the coastal destination. Talk about best of both worlds!

Good Luck and keep posting here as I'd love to follow your progress.
 
The family that boats together stays together! Welcome to CSR, love the back story and congrats for all those getting new boats.
 
[QUOTE="sandydlc, post: 993182, member: 40734"

Also, Sundancers are a planing hull (as you know) and require a considerable amount of alertness while at the helm and running at planing speed. I think it would be safer for someone of an older age to handle a slower boat![/QUOTE]

Uh oh! Turning 64 next week.........
Anyone in the market for a 410 Sundancer, C6 Corvette, or a mint restored 68 GTO?
 
[QUOTE="sandydlc, post: 993182, member: 40734"

Also, Sundancers are a planing hull (as you know) and require a considerable amount of alertness while at the helm and running at planing speed. I think it would be safer for someone of an older age to handle a slower boat!

Uh oh! Turning 64 next week.........
Anyone in the market for a 410 Sundancer, C6 Corvette, or a mint restored 68 GTO?[/QUOTE]

I'll take the GTO please......:D.....

cliff
 
So, after alot of discussion, my father has narrowed it down to either a large trawler or a SeaRay L class, with a fly bridge. We are going to fly down to Florida and explore their local Marine Max and see what we can find. I also have a friend who sells Grand Banks down there. Anyone have any experience with them?

As for me, Im looking to move up to maybe a 330-460, something with a good size and genset so i'm comfortable for long weekends or longer away from the slip. Other than that I am thinking of finding an old cat and putting in the work myself to make it the way I want it.

I know that it's alot and i'm being very ambitious, but I guess well see! I'm thinking of starting to document all of our adventures on a blog, maybe with video. I don't know what all goes into doing that but I think it would be fun!

Cheers!
 
Keep us informed! And post pictures. I live vicariously through others when they are buying boats, helps to quench that boat buying thirst if I get to see other boats being purchased!
 
I'm at Eagle Point as well! Boathouse 9 slip #2! Where are you?!
Not sure of its number, I believe 23 - it's the one between Eagles Nest and the DYC. We should hook up for a beverage sometime, I'm down there most weekends, and as often during the week as work/family allows.
 

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